Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/769560
46 JANUARY 15, 2017 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com LAST BITE More Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg Ariane Stechmann grower / Altes Land, Hamburg, Germany age / 22 crops / Apples and cherries business / Obsthof Stechmann, Guderhandviertel family background / Ariane is the oldest of four siblings who make up the family's 10th generation of farmers. To help in preparation for future transition of the farm, she earned her horticulture degree, interned with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), and plans to work with her parents, younger sister Britta and brother Kai on new techniques she's learned in the U.S. Ariane is the daughter of Gerd and Petra Stechmann. She was interviewed in Yakima, Washington, during a recent internship with the WTFRC. " " " " How did you get your start? I started working on the farm when I was a kid to earn the things I had, like a new toy or something like that. I started by picking apples, then driving tractor, picking cherries and sorting on the packing line. Sometimes I hated it, other times I loved it. When I was 14 years old, I took part in a school internship program working in other types of jobs. I recognized at that point I really enjoyed farming and it was what I wanted to do. After high school, I took an internship in fruit growing, working four days a week on a commercial farm with the fi fth day at- tending class at a vocational school. These programs are very good, and a typical type of education in Germany, especially for fruit growing. What did you learn? I had the opportunity to learn about two sides of fruit marketing, the direct sales and distribution to large markets. My boss enjoyed farming and liked to try out new stuff, whether it be new fruits or training systems. For me, that internship was very interesting to see how he dealt with new ideas. What is your farm like and what challenges are unique to the area? In our area, the climate is similar to New York. Area farms are actually under sea level with heavy soils and a lot of humidity. We have issues with canker and other vi- ruses. Because of the moisture, we need to use rain covers to prevent cherries from cracking. In general, it doesn't make sense to grow cherries without covers. We also can't do as much postharvest protection as U.S. farms can do. So, we can't use wax or fungicides. As soon as the apples are off the tree we are not allowed to treat them with anything as required by law. How do you look at family farm transition? When I take over the farm with two of my sib- lings, I think it'd be great to arrange things so one person takes care of the growing, one takes care of the packing house and the third takes care of distri- bution. I've seen plans like this while interning in the U.S. I've learned that many growers' kids have separated their businesses like this. Regarding farm transfer, I've learned that families should start the transition as soon as possible. That way if something tragic happens, like your father dying, responsibilities are planned out. " Even though fruit growing is a big business, everyone works together, sharing information around the world. PLAY goodfruit.com/yg scan to watch the interview www.gslong.com SPONSORED BY by TJ Mullinax More from this interview and other Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg.